Toronto mourns 8-Year-Old Jahvai Roy, and demands action on gun violence

On August 12^th, 2025, Toronto lost eight-year-old Jahvai Roy to gun violence. He was killed in his own home at Martha Eaton Way near Black Creek Drive, an ordinary summer night turned into tragedy. His death has shaken the city and sharpened the call to end the rise of shootings plaguing Toronto in 2025.

For many, this summer will be remembered not for festivals, or family gatherings, but for the sharp increase in gun violence that continues to tear through communities. Jahvai’s story has become the face of that crisis, reminding us that until the city takes bold action, no child is safe.

On August 21^st, 2025, neighbours, family, and friends held a candlelit memorial outside Jahvai’s building. The crowd’s presence spoke volumes. They were there to declare that his life mattered, and that his death must spark change.

The next day, August 22^nd, 2025, a rally at City Hall brought even more voices together. Organized by ENAGB Indigenous Youth Agency, the #JusticeForJahvai demonstration demanded urgent measures to address Toronto’s gun crisis. The message was loud and clear: “Stop the violence. Stop gun violence.”

Signs waved above the crowd read, “Protect our children,” and “Rise together as a community.”  The event called for a citywide shutdown, urging Torontonians to take collective action.

Brian Perrier, Toronto Director of ENAGB, spoke bluntly: “We do not want Jahvai’s death to be for nothing.” Cynthia Bell added, “We want to keep Jahvai’s name alive and figure out what we can push forward in his honour.”

No one carried more pain than Jahvai’s mother, Holly Roy. Through tears, she expressed gratitude for those who showed up: “It’s unfortunate that we had to go through this to wake us up. It doesn’t matter what race we are; we should come together, support each other, and ask: what steps do we need to take to enforce our safety?”

Her words captured both heartbreak and hope, pushing the city toward unity instead of division.

To help Holly and her family, friend Charlene Small launched a GoFundMe campaign. Funds will cover funeral costs, relocation to a safer home, trauma counselling, and other unforeseen expenses. The campaign description reads:

“Jahvai was a joyful, bright, and loving little boy. His life, full of promise, was stolen in a moment no family should ever endure.”

As of September 5^th, 2025, donations have reached more than $89,000 of the $100,000 goal.

The support hasn’t stopped online. On August 25^th, 2025, over 150 people gathered at the Learning Enrichment Foundation to share memories, display photos, and honour Jahvai’s spirit. Another fundraiser is scheduled for Saturday, September 27^th, at 65 Norfolk Street in Simcoe, Ontario, with proceeds going directly to Holly. The flyer reads: “As we come together to raise awareness and take a stand against gun violence, please show your support.” Admission is $20, with raffles and prizes planned.

The death of Jahvai Roy is a turning point. Community leaders, families, and everyday Torontonians are demanding justice and accountability from city officials. They want policies that will actually make neighbourhoods safer, not just words after another child is lost.

Toronto has always called itself one of the safest cities in the world. But until kids like Jahvai can live without fear of bullets entering their homes, that reputation means nothing.

This tragedy has carved deep scars into one family, but it has also ignited a movement. The memory of Jahvai: joyful, full of promise, stolen too soon, will continue to push Toronto toward the justice and safety it urgently needs.